This page is about Western Sydney Tree Removal & Pruning. If you are looking information for another Sydney region, check out our Tree Removal & Pruning Guide.

Regulating LGA’s For Western Sydney Tree Removal & Pruning

According to the NSW State Environmental Planning Policy (Vegetation in Non-Rural Areas) 2017, local government Areas (LGA’s) have the authority to declare what tree removal work requires council approval or permit.

There are 12 local government areas belonging to the Western Sydney region. We’ve created additional information pages for Western Sydney LGA’s within our catchment area below:

  • Blacktown City Council
  • Canterbury-Bankstown
  • Camden Council
  • Cumberland Council
  • Fairfield City Council
  • City of Parramatta

NB: for The Hills Shire please refer to Tree Removal & Pruning Guide.

Western Sydney Council Requirements

Removing or intentionally damaging a tree in Western Sydney can result in up to a $1.1m penalty. You need to find an arborist that understands and conforms to all local laws and regulations.

The below information will guide you on the permit and development requirements for each of the Sydney LGA’s.

Blacktown City Council Tree Removal & Pruning

You will need a Blacktown City Council permit or development consent if your tree work meets any of the below criteria. For more information about costs, exemptions, and more, see the corresponding Blacktown City Council page.

  • Pruning of more than 10% of the canopy or root system per year, and only of branches less than 100mm in diameter.
  • Trees with a height of more than 3 metres.
  • A trunk diameter of 200mm or more measured 1.0 metre above ground level. 

City of Canterbury-Bankstown Tree Removal & Pruning

You will need a City of Canterbury-Bankstown permit or development consent if your tree work meets any of the below criteria. For more information about costs, exemptions, and more, see the corresponding City of Canterbury-Bankstown page.

  • Any trees (not on council exempt list) that are 5m or more in height.
  • All mangroves, regardless of size.
  • All vulnerable or endangered listed trees.
  • Any tree that is a component of an Endangered Ecological Community listed under the Biodiversity Conservation Act 2016.
  • All trees listed under the Environmental Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999.
  • Any trees located on lands included on the Terrestrial Biodiversity Map under Bankstown Local Environmental Plan 2015.
  • All trees located on properties listed as a heritage item.
  • All trees located in the foreshore area under the Bankstown Local Environmental Plan 2015.

Camden Council Tree Removal & Pruning

You will need a Camden Council permit or development consent if your tree work meets any of the below criteria. For more information about costs, exemptions, and more, see the corresponding Camden Council page.

  • Any tree (not on the council exempt list) that is 3m or greater in height.
  • A trunk circumference of 300mm (100mm diameter) or more at 1 metre above natural ground surface
  • A canopy span of 3 metres or more.
  • Any native tree or vegetation regardless of size.

Cumberland Council Tree Removal & Pruning

You will need a Cumberland Council permit or development consent if your tree work meets any of the below criteria. For more information about costs, exemptions, and more, see the corresponding Cumberland Council page.

  • Any tree (not on the council exempt list) over 3.6m in height.
  • All trees listed as heritage item, or located on heritage listed property.
  • Pruning of live branches with greater than 50mm diameter.
  • Pruning of deadwood greater than 150mm diameter.

Fairfield City Council Tree Removal & Pruning

You will need a Fairfield City Council permit or development consent if your tree work meets any of the below criteria. For more information about costs, exemptions, and more, see the corresponding Fairfield City Council page.

  • Trees with a height 4m or greater (not on the council exempt list).
  • A canopy of 3m or more.
  • Trunk diameter greater than 75mm measured 1m above the ground level.

City of Parramatta Tree Removal & Pruning

You will need a City of Parramatta permit or development consent if your tree work meets any of the below criteria. For more information about costs, exemptions, and more, see the corresponding City of Parramatta page.

  • Trees with a height equal to or exceeding 5m.
  • A tree that forms part of an Aboriginal object, or within an Aboriginal place of heritage significance.
  • Forms part of a heritage item, or within a heritage conservation area.
  • Any tree or mangrove vegetation located on public land.
  • Trees listed on the NSW Heritage Register.